Convertible garment

ABSTRACT

A multi-function garment is disclosed that can be fashioned into a variety of styles without alteration or tailoring. In embodiments, fabric is formed into a center panel and two wing portions, which allows the garment to be fashioned into a number of unique styles.

FIELD

The present invention relates to apparel and, more specifically, to agarment that can be fashioned into a variety of styles withoutalteration or tailoring.

BACKGROUND

Overnight travel requires a traveler to bring sufficient clothing andsupplies for the length of the trip. When traveling for longer periodsof time, the amount of clothing can become unwieldy. Additionally,airlines and other common carriers are increasingly charging fees forexcess bags, and sometimes even a first bag, making a reduction inluggage desirable.

To reduce the amount of luggage, the traveler may simply carry lessclothing with the intention of re-wearing certain outfits. However, thiscan be undesirable, as clothing becomes soiled through use.

Separately, a person wearing a garment in a casual environment may wantto change when transitioning to a more conservative or upscaleenvironment. For example, a person sitting on the beach wearing a sarongmay not feel comfortable entering the resort without additionalcoverage. In that instance, many will carry multiple beach coverups thatprovide appropriate coverage for the desired environment.

Accordingly, there is a need for a garment that is lightweight,versatile, and compact, and also resistant to soiling. There is afurther need for a garment that requires minimal space to store in asuitcase and can be readily converted to various configurations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fullyunderstood with reference to the following detailed description whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a garment according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 2-21 are views of the garment of FIG. 1 in an alternateconfiguration of use.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In embodiments a convertible garment is disclosed comprising asubstantially rectangular center panel, first and second wing panels, afirst wing seam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion ofsaid first wing panel, a second wing seam joining a portion of saidcenter panel to a portion of said second wing panel, a first shoulderseam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of said firstwing panel, a second shoulder seam joining a portion of said centerpanel to a portion of said second wing panel, and a center seam joininga portion of said first and second wing panels. In embodiments, firstand second wing panels are attached to said center panel at an anglesuch that a slit is formed between said center panels and said wingpanel. In further embodiments, armholes are provided.

In embodiments, the first and second wing panels have at least one edgethat is arcuate, and the first and second wing panels have at least oneedge that is cut to accommodate the shape of the adjacent area of saidcenter panel. Slits may be provided at the base of the center panel andformed at an angle with respect to the wing panels.

In embodiments, a method of use is disclosed for wearing the garment andforming myriad styles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In embodiments, the invention comprises a multi-functional garment thatcan be worn from day to night, summer to winter, in over numerous ways,without tailoring or alteration.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plan view of a preferred embodiment is shown,laid flat for reference. In embodiments, garment 100 comprises a centerpanel 110 that is attached to first and second wing panels 120, 140.

Center panel 110 may generally take the shape of a rectangle and besized similarly to the torso of the intended wearer, and may extend toprovide additional coverage over the area below the torso (e.g.,buttocks). A cut-out 129 may also be provided to form a portion of thearmhole apertures A that receives the arms of the wearer.

In embodiments, first and second wing panels comprise panels that may beirregular in shape, but symmetrical with respect to the other wingpanel. Wing panels may be generally rectangular in shape withaccommodation made for joining to center panel 110.

Referring to FIG. 1, first wing panel comprises a bottom edge 122, firstlateral edge 124, and a top edge 126. Top edge 126 may join to a centerseam 136 that it shares with the corresponding second wing panel 140. Inembodiments, top edge 126 may be straight or may be arcuate and bendtoward center seam 136. An arcuate top edge can provide greaterflexibility in fashioning the garment into different styles.

In embodiments, first wing panel 120 can attach to center panel 110 atvarious points. In embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, first wing panel120 is shaped or cut to accommodate the shape of the proximal side ofcenter panel 110. A first wing seam 128 may be formed along an edge offirst wing panel 120 and extend upward to the cutout formed in centerpanel 110 to form the armhole. In embodiments, first wing seam 128 (andthe corresponding edge of first wing panel 120) are formed at an angleto the top 126 and bottom edges 122 of first wing panel 120 so that aslit 150 is formed.

A first shoulder seam 130 may be formed to join the area between centerseam 136 and armhole A to center panel 110.

A cutout 129 to form a portion of the armhole aperture may also beprovided in first wing panel 120.

In embodiments, second wing panel 140 is a mirror image of first wingpanel 120 and is otherwise the same in size, shape, and functionality.The various features of first wing panel 120 (e.g., cutout 129, arcuatetop 126, bottom 122, etc.) each have an analogue in second wing panel140 (i.e., cutout 129, arcuate top 126, bottom 122, etc.). In alternateembodiments, first and second wing panels 120, 140 may deviate from oneanother to form different styles or perform alternate functionality.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that theposition, size, shape, and configuration of the first 120 and second 140wing panels may vary depending on the intended application of thegarment. By altering these parameters, different and additional stylesfor wearing the garment may be enabled.

In embodiments, first wing panel, second wing panel, and center panel110 may be formed from a light-weight reversible sheer fabric. In thepreferred embodiment, lightweight fabric allows it to be airy enough forsummer, as well as a great piece on which to layer other garments duringwinter. Similarly, the sheerness of the fabric allows you to wear agarment underneath (such as a bathing suit), as well as double or tripleup the garment in order to wear as a thick scarf. In furtherembodiments, the fabric also will not wrinkle, making it easy to carefor and pack in a suitcase, and may be machine washable.

Suitable fabrics include mesh or ITY jersey fabric, both of which aremade from a polyester-spandex or polyester-nylon-spandex blend.Alternatively, a rayon-spandex blend could be used, as could any otherfabric that is lightweight and sheer.

In embodiments, fabric may be pretreated with a stain and odor resistantcompound to maintain the cleanliness of the garment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in embodiments, armholes A and A′ may be formed bycutting away or shaping a portion of first wing panel 120 (or secondwing panel 140) to form a void at the joining area between the centerpanel 110 and first wing panel 120 (or second wing panel 140).

In embodiments, armholes A and A′ may be sized to facilitate wearing thegarment in certain styles. For example, armholes A and A′ are cutslightly larger than normal, including any styles where the fabric ispulled thorough the armhole, or styles where the center panel is alignedwith the front.

A variety of stitching may be used to join the various components. Inpreferred embodiment, center seam 136 may be formed by joining theproximal edges of first wing panel 120 and second wing panel 140 usingwhat is known as a French seam. The French seam is particularlyappropriate for sheer or thin fabrics and encloses the unfinished, rawedges of the fabric from view. The clean edge of this particular type ofseam enhances the appearance of the garment when it is reversed forcertain styles.

In a preferred embodiment, the first wing seam 128 and second wing seam128′ may be formed by a simple overlock stitch.

Numerous stitches may be used and will depend on the fabric used, stylesavailable from the garment, etc. Besides the French and overlock seams,other possible seams include a bias bound seam, Hong Kong seam, or evena flat-felled seam. A simple turn back and topstitching could also beutilized.

Similarly, areas of the garment fabric—particularly those that have beencut—may require a hem to prevent fraying and to enhance the appearanceof the product. For example, a baby hem may be provided around the outeredges of first wing panel 120 and second wing panel 140. A baby hem is asmall rolled hem that is formed by rolling the fabric onto itself beforestitching. Such a delicate and thin hem provides the benefits of aregular hem while enhancing the appearance of the product.

While the forgoing description discloses separate elements—first andsecond wing panels 120, 140 and center panel 110—in alternateembodiments those elements may be integrated into a single piece offabric that is cut to size. Whether the garment of the present inventionis fashioned from a single piece or multiple pieces will depend onmanufacturing and supply considerations and does not impact thefunctioning of the garment.

The shape of the garment defines slits 150 and 160 that are formedbetween the wing panels 120, 140 and center panel 110. Uniquespecifically designed slits on the sides enable the wearer to tie thegarment in various ways around the body (the slits are a certain heightas well as length, the back being longer than the front).

The garment also has a longer length in the back that allows a woman tofeel comfortable that her bottom is sufficiently covered if she choosesto wear a bathing suit or leggings.

In embodiments, a belt may be provided to allow for additional styleoptions. In embodiments, belt 190 comprises a length of fabric similarto the fabric used in center panel 110, or first and second wing panels120, 140. In embodiments, belt 190 comprises an elongated section offabric that has been hemmed along the edges to prevent fraying and toenhance the appearance. In embodiments, belt 190 may comprise a lengthof fabric that has been folded over itself along a horizontal axisbefore stitching and hemming. In this variation, a single clean edge maybe provided, with the remaining edges being hemmed. In furtherembodiments, the horizontal ends of belt 190 may be biased to enhancethe appearance of the belt. In still further embodiments, belt 190 mayincorporate a loop for receiving an end of the belt and to secure thebelt in a more elegant manner.

Referring to the table below, the dimensions of exemplary embodiments ofthe invention are shown. It has been found that a garment with aspecific range of dimensions is particularly suitable for maximizing thenumber of available styles that can be generated using the product.While many different sizes and proportions are contemplated as comingwithin the scope of the invention, the below table summarizes theoptimal size range of the garment to accommodate persons of differentsizes.

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE SIZES 0/2/4/6 8/10/12/14 16/18/20 ARMHOLE 22” 1” morethan 1.25” more than CIRCUMFERENCE small small CHEST (1” below 38”  44” 50” armhole) HIP (16” below 40”  46”  52” armhole) SWEEP BOTTOM 99.75”106” 112” EDGE LENGTH FROM 32.25”  32.75”  33.25” CENTER BACK BELT 72” 78”  84”

As shown in the above table, a person wearing a size 0/2/4/6 would becomfortable in a version of the present invention with armholes 22″ incircumference, a chest width of 38″, and a hip width of 40″. The “sweepfrom bottom edge” refers to the length of the bottom of the garment fromthe opening around the back to the other side of the opening. The widthof the slits on either side are not included in this measurement.“Length from center back” refers to the length of the central panel frombeneath the label downward to the hem.

The foregoing sizes are in no way meant to be limiting and only disclosean arrangement that provides for a wide range of available styles. Othersizes could also be utilized, which may result in fewer or moreavailable styles. In addition, other sizes are also contemplated,ranging from children through extra large and beyond.

A method of use of the invention of the present invention will now bedescribed. In use, the wearer dons the garment by placing their armsthrough the armholes. Whether the wearer orients center panel 110 acrossthe chest or back will depend on the desired style. The wearer thenmakes various adjustments to the garment, whether by folding, cinching,tucking, knotting, etc., or by using the belt portion, to fashion thegarment into the desired style. FIGS. 2-4 contain a series of stylesthat can readily be created from embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, a belted style of use is shown. The wearer is ableto generate this style by donning the garment with the center panelaligned with the back, wrapping the belt around the waist, and tying.

Referring to FIG. 3, an open style of use is shown. The wearer is ableto generate this style by donning the garment with the center panelaligned with the back, and simply allowing the garment to hang open.

Referring to FIG. 4, a tied style of use is shown. The wearer is able togenerate this style by grabbing both ends and tying them in a loose lowknot right in the front. The side slits facilitate this configuration.

Referring to FIG. 5, the tied-to-side style of use is shown. The weareris able to generate this style by grabbing a piece of fabric from bothsides right around the waist and then tying them together in a doubleknot.

Referring to FIG. 6, the asymmetrical style of use is shown. The weareris able to generate this style by taking one end and pulling it throughthe armhole from the outside in, and then adjusting the fullness.

Referring to FIG. 7, a cowl top style of use is shown. The wearer isable to generate this style by tying the ends together in a knot,twisting it once and throwing it over the head for an instant cowl necktop.

Referring to FIG. 8, a wrap top style of use is shown. The wearer isable to generate this style by taking the ends and crisscrossing themover the body and tying them together in the back.

Referring to FIG. 9, a back to front style of use is shown. The weareris able to generate this style by donning the garment with the centerpanel aligned with the chest, putting the arms through the armholes andwrapping the ends around to the front and tie them together.

Referring to FIG. 10, a bolero style of use is shown. The wearer is ableto generate this style by donning the garment with the center panelaligned with the back, draping the garment over the shoulders, pullingthe long ends formed by the first and second wing panels through thearmholes, and tying those ends in the back.

Referring to FIG. 11, a shawl style of use is shown. The wearer is ableto generate this style by grabbing the garment by the armholes so itfolds in half, throwing it over the shoulders and either letting bothsides hang or throw one side right over your shoulder.

Referring to FIG. 12, a hood style of use is shown. The wearer is ableto generate this style by flipping the garment upside down and puttingthe arms through the armholes, grabbing the back and pulling it over thehead to create the hood, and then crisscrossing the front around thewaist and tying in the back.

Referring to FIG. 13, a cap sleeve style of use is shown. The wearer isable to generate this style by putting the hood down and wearing thewrap as a cap sleeve top by slightly pulling it down over the shouldersand readjusting the waist.

Referring to FIG. 14, a European scarf style of use is shown. The weareris able to generate this style by removing the wrap, putting thearmholes together, draping it around the neck and pulling the other endthrough the armholes.

Referring to FIG. 15, a classic scarf style of use is shown. The weareris able to generate this style by removing the wrap, bunching the endsand then draping it from the front to the back and letting the ends hangdown. The neck can be adjusted to be as loose or as fitted as desired.

Referring to FIG. 16, an infinity scarf style of use is shown. Thewearer is able to generate this style by removing the wrap, tying thelongest ends to create a large loop and wrapping it either twice aroundfor the double infinity, which is a little longer and looser, or threetimes, for the triple infinity. As shown a double (FIG. 16) and triple(FIG. 17) infinity scarf configuration are also possible.

Referring to FIG. 18, a sarong style of use is shown. The wearer is ableto generate this style by taking off the wrap, folding it lengthwise andgrabbing the two longest points. The excess will fold in towards thewearer and then it may be wrapped around the body and tied on the side.

Referring to FIG. 19, a headscarf style of use is shown. The wearer isable to generate this style by taking the top edge and wrapping it rightaround the head. The scarf can then be fastened by an elastic.

Referring to FIG. 20, a twisted strap style of use is shown. The weareris able to generate this style by taking each end of the wing panels andpulling them through the respective armhole from the inside out, thencrisscrossing them over the body and tying them together in the back.

Referring to FIG. 21, a halter style of use is shown. The wearer is ableto generate this style by donning the garment with the center panelaligned with the chest, and putting the arms through the armholes.Second, the wearer takes the belt, folds it in half and ties it aroundthe clavicle area to form at knot, letting the belt ends fall around theneck to the back. Then wrapping the ends of the wing panels around theback to the front and tying them together at the waist.

It will be understood that there are numerous modifications of theillustrated embodiments described above which will be readily apparentto one skilled in the art, including any other combinations of featuresthat are individually disclosed or claimed herein, explicitly includingadditional combinations of such features. These modifications and/orcombinations fall within the art to which this invention relates and areintended to be within the scope of the claims, which follow. It isnoted, as is conventional, the use of a singular element in a claim isintended to cover one or more of such an element.

1. A convertible garment comprising: a substantially rectangular centerpanel; first and second wing panels; a first wing seam joining a portionof said center panel to a portion of said first wing panel; a secondwing seam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of saidsecond wing panel; a first shoulder seam joining a portion of saidcenter panel to a portion of said first wing panel; a second shoulderseam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of said secondwing panel; a center seam joining a portion of said first and secondwing panels; wherein said first and second wing panels are attached tosaid center panel at an angle to form a slit between said center panelsand said wing panel.
 2. The convertible garment of claim 1 whereinarmholes are formed on either side of said center panel.
 3. Theconvertible garment of claim 2 wherein said first and second wing panelshave at least one edge that is arcuate.
 4. The convertible garment ofclaim 2 wherein said first and second wing panels have at least one edgethat is cut to accommodate the shape of the adjacent area of said centerpanel.
 5. (canceled)
 6. A method of using a convertible garmentcomprising the steps of: providing a garment having a substantiallyrectangular center panel, first and second wing panels, a first wingseam joining a portion of said center panel to a portion of said firstwing panel, a second wing seam joining a portion of said center panel toa portion of said second wing panel, a first shoulder seam joining aportion of said center panel to a portion of said first wing panel, asecond shoulder seam joining a portion of said center panel to a portionof said second wing panel, a center seam joining a portion of said firstand second wing panels; wherein said first and second wing panels areattached to said center panel at an angle to form a slit between saidcenter panels and said wing panel placing the arms through a pair ofarmholes formed in the garment; wrapping the first and second armholesaround the body; and tying the garment into the desired style.
 7. Themethod of claim 6 further including the step of using a belt to definethe style of wear of the garment.
 8. A convertible garment comprising: asubstantially rectangular center panel; means for providing coverage tothe wearer adjacent said center panel; and means for defining a slitadjacent said center panel.
 9. The absorbent panel of claim 1 whereinsaid opposing movement causes the absorbent panel to close onto itself.